It had now been a few months since Nashakra had ascended the Throne, they had held a ceremony and big festival. Afterwards things returned to normal. Mostly.

Nashakra had started many of her planned projects and reforms. Some people had resisted in the beginning but they had been suppressed quickly.

They had made great progress with the black power and were slowly filling some secret warehouses with it far away in the mountains and spaced out. Nashakra did not want to put all their black powder in one space or anywhere near a place where people lived.

Smiths were working on making some gun prototypes based on some things she remembered about them which was not that much since she never really cared for firearms so she merely gave her artisans the direction and let them do their thing.

They had been very excited about these new weapons and were eager to begin their experiments.

Apart from all that the new Empire of the Sun had begun to prepare for war. The news of Nashakra's supposed blessing and her abilities had reached the other cities and spread further and further by the day while becoming more and more outlandish.

The rulers and their subordinates had dismissed them as mere exaggerated rumors yet still had sent spies to investigate. These spies took the form of simple travelers and delegations which were sent to directly inquire about them.

There had been others before her who wanted to conquer the continent and unite all the city-states. Evidently, none had succeeded. Yet to be capable of reading minds? It struck a deep fear into these people that were used to their unquestioned authority, but also woke their greed.

Many dreamt of possessing such power themselves and hoped that if it was real they somehow managed to acquire it. So no matter how unfounded or insane these rumors were, they needed to know for certain.

The kings and nobles were afraid of losing their wealth, power, and position. They could not allow someone to threaten them. There had been laws and rules to the fighting amongst the cities and whenever a King ruled more than one the others banded together and formed an alliance. The City was then swiftly liberated and a new ruler was installed one that was friendly to the liberators of course.

Even as uncertain as they were they already started spreading their own rumors, that the new Queen was not blessed by the gods nor was she one who had descended from the heavens but a demon posing as one. A war of faith was about to erupt.

Everyone bought on one or the other rumors, many of the commoners who were fed up with their corrupt leaders relished the idea of a blessed ruler or a goddess they hoped for a better tomorrow and sought to migrate streams of commoners leaving their cities.

The Empire of the Sun needed people, they paid well, everyone was equal now, and schools had been built where everyone could learn for free. Reading and writing are no longer the privileges of the rich or the elite. There were opportunities to get wealthy.

And all could appeal directly to the queen, who would dare lie when someone could read your mind, and even if they did what good would it do? A trustworthy and just queen endorsed by the heavens, which spurred many of the people to leave the place of their birth.

Naturally, these things did not go well with those in power. The nobles and the kings of their respective cities had many of the people arrested for heresy or outright executed while the majority were barred from migrating. Displeasure was growing amongst the masses.

A king was the ruler of a city which possessed the land around it together with the towns and villages on that land. How authority was split between the king and the nobility was different in each one but the King normally always bore the title of “The Sun” and was the highest representative of the gods in that city.

The temples were built by the city and the king granted the high priest his position who in turn appointed the lesser priests. The priests were either commoners or children that their parents did not want to care for or gifted to the gods like the fourth or fifth child of a noble.

—

Nashakra sat in her study which formerly belonged to her father. She often reminisces about the past since she lost her parents when she worked. She did miss them. It knocked on the door and Helmear came inside. He had, with Nashakras Ascension once again become the Captain of the Royal Guard.

Four more years had passed since her ascension to the throne and her Empire had undergone a complete transformation. Nashakra promoted many liberties and freedoms while upholding and enforcing morals, principles, and even common sense.

Her people were richer, healthier, and more educated than ever before. Everyone could read now, and printing presses only aided in this process. Her subjects were making countless pieces of art whether written or musical. Paintings, Sculptures were now everywhere.

Everyone went to school, even the adults, learning new things was mandatory, and how to interact with one another to make a better society. It was like an ancient version of a therapy where people learned to be considerate and empathetic.

This was something Nashkra held dear to her heart and she thought absolutely necessary to form a good and long-lasting society. They learned to talk about their problems and not bottle them up. Since most of the corruption had been rooted out and loyal followers who shared her ideals had taken those positions trust in the state had lately reached an all-time high.

Nashakra sought people who could do the things she wanted them done and put them in a position to do so. She ensured they did so with the spirit that was required and if they became corrupted they were punished and possibly replaced. She had become the cornerstone of her Empire.

People had become free to voice their concerns openly in the streets no longer needing to fear any reprisals or harassment from the guards. Not that there were many concerns left, they were always addressed and enormous stacks of papers always filled Nashakras office.

She was happy to do this work. To finally realize many of her ambitions and they worked. Freedom was like medicine, too little did nothing to stop a rebellion, and too much made the people sick. The same of course goes for Tyranny, too much and the people rebelled, too little and the people thought they could do anything without reprisal.

Nashakra remembered well how people in her old life behaved during a pandemic. It was madness. They refused to wear masks claiming to cut into their rights and freedom. Yet their freedom cut into the rights of others.

Masks served to keep one's dirt by themselves, they did protect others. If everyone protected each other. Then everyone would be protected and safe. Was that so hard a concept to understand?

The comparisons they made barred any reason…

A society corrupted by too much freedom.

Extreme light gives birth to darkness in its heart.

Extreme darkness rebirthed the light.

Consequently. Extreme freedom gives birth to oppression. It was madness.

Everything needed to be taken in good measurements with a great amount of thought.

Neither too little nor too much.

The best way was to educate everyone, to teach them the why.

Why corruption was bad, what it cost, and what could be achieved if there was none.

Why it was good to care for one another, to not walk by as someone was bleeding on the streets.

Why one should not overlook it when they saw something wrong.

Why conflicts should be resolved peacefully and with reason.

Two nations together could achieve things one alone could not even dream about.

Nashakra stopped her thoughts and returned to the present.

“My most humble greetings, Your Majesty,” he said while bowing deeply.

“Speak, what news do you bring?” Nashakra replied with a nod and fixed him with a stare. Helmear did not feel uncomfortable with it, he had become used to Nashakra's mature demeanor. She could have taken the information directly from his mind but she did not.

At least he thought she didn't. How could he be certain? It pleased him to see her grow up so well. She shows respect to her subjects and treats them well.

“Your Majesty. The number of refugees and immigrants has increased more and more.”

Which was to be expected. In the last few years, the newly founded Empire has changed greatly. Word has spread far and wide, despite the efforts of the other Rulers to stop or counter them. More and more people wanted to live in the Empire.

This was true Nashakra thought in the beginning people were hesitant but since then they had almost tripled their original population reaching over a hundred thousand people all living in their small valley. It was not enough to crowd it though. They still had more than enough space. Many had come from Pheetron. The city was now destroyed by some disaster. They never found out what did it.

“What are you trying to say?” Nashakra questioned him though she already had an inkling as to why. These people needed to come from somewhere after all.

“The Rulers of the territories these people left are not happy. At first, they most likely thought this was only a phase and the people would stop leaving or we would reject them. But our success only encourages the commoners more and more.

Our spies have reported that some of the cities nearest to us are in the process of forming an alliance.” Helmear explained, and he remained calm. Even if they formed an alliance they had almost no chance to defeat them.

“I'm not really worried. Let them come if they want,” she said in reply.

The most they could do was to lead a siege on the great wall but it would be the height of stupidity to assault it. No, they would stop people and trade from entering or leaving. Trying to starve them out would never work. Nashakra ensured long ago they were completely self-sufficient. It would hurt because trade would cease but no one would starve.

“Over thirty thousand of our people can fight and wield weapons. So long as we only defend we will not be losing.” Nashakra continued. “For now we will continue as always. There is no need to escalate things if time is in our favor.

The more people that willingly come to us the better. Let our enemies make the first step. We may lose the initiative but will not look like villains and warmongers. And with my powers, even that is not necessarily a bad thing. We have prepared for such a thing since the beginning.” she said.

If she took control of the mind of an enemy general and ordered the troops to surrender it would be as easy as eating a cake. Not that everyone would follow such an order there may even be a mutiny but everything that affected their enemies negatively was a win for them. Especially if it did not cost them anything.

Helmear nodded. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

—

Nashakra had grown into a beautiful woman. Her white her reaching her lower back did go well with the red markings. Her wardrobe had been updated many times over the last years. And just as she had grown and changed so did her psionic powers. She could now use them as easily as breathing just like another limb. It had become very easy yet she did not become drunk on her power and abided by her codex.

Kathil had also grown older and more mature, she no longer was so shy and timid, freeing her from her mother's claws was the best thing that happened to her. She often visited and was studying vigorously. Her big sister needed good and capable people after all so she worked hard to become someone Nashakra could rely on.

News of an attack of the Caravan of the exiles had reached them yet many escaped and returned to their original hometowns. Arwyth and Asund however never did. It was unlikely now that they survived the attacks but that did not bother either of them very much. In fact, Kathil even seemed relieved once she heard the news. She must have been afraid that maybe one day her mother would come back.

Arwyth’s supposed death however did not go over well with her father the King of Zeapphia and the relationship between their nations soured dramatically afterward. He levied more tariffs and taxes on trade while demanding compensation and spouting threats through his envoys. Still, he was only a nuisance and mostly ignored. Trade still flowed, and people still moved. But it seemed the peaceful times were at an end.

—

The King of Zeapphia sat on his throne his closest advisors were with him together with his Generals.

“Our preparations are nearly complete your Majesty. The troops of Ugrasea and Agodon will be departing soon. We will have fifteen thousand soldiers to lay siege to the defense wall of that false goddess.” one General said.

“Very good.” The king said while nodding. “Do not forget that our main goal is merely to siege them and cut off trade and the transit of people. Do not attack their walls. It would be best if our Enemies send their Soldiers out of their fortifications to attack us.”

“Yes Your Majesty. The enemy will attempt to catch us unawares but we will be prepared. You have our word.” another General replied.

“We have sufficient amounts of food and ammunition. Catapults have been prepared and we will try to inflict damage from far away. It may even prompt them to attack us without the safety their walls provide.” an Advisor interjected into their conversation and the discussion continued.

The mood was great if a little dampened by the fact that the newly founded empire of the Sun had a far greater amount of population and was well situated. Still, they could no longer let this go. His daughter had been exiled and most likely dead by that upstart queen. Their people were running away to join her empire.

Tax revenue had steadily fallen his kingdom was getting worse and worse by the day. Many of his spies had been caught. His protests and envoys were ignored and his Wife continued to blame him for everything and his incompetence in bringing the demonic Queen to justice. He had prepared in the last few years, forged an alliance and now the time had come to begin a war.

They had no expectations to truly defeat them, this was more of an attempt to finally force their enemies to the table and accept the demands of the alliance that they had ignored until now.

He did have a hard time bringing this alliance with Ugrasea and Agodon to fruition. The rumors of the Powers the Empire's queen possessed had left them paralyzed for a time. They feared them to be true and wanted to kill her if it were so.

Yet they also did not want to escalate things and wake a sleeping dragon. If she could do such things then who knows what else was possible? And so a stalemate had ensued.

But the Empire was more and more successful, if they did nothing now they would soon be overrun or simply taken over when they finally run out of space in their valley and needed more for their development. No Nation on Ekia had ever possessed so many citizens as the Empire of the Sun now.

Together with the divine powers of the Queen which they had finally proven true after two years had passed it was only a matter of time until she united the continent.

“I then bid you good fortune, my Generals. Depart by sunrise tomorrow.” the King said at last and left the Throne room while everyone else bowed.

“Yes, your Majesty.”

They would now make the first step. And hopefully, soon more kingdom would join their alliance. One thing however was certain. They could not allow the Empire of the Sun to grow any stronger.

----------------------------------------

General Ofald was the Leader of the Expeditionary Army of Zeapphia, and he would lead the alliance. All fifteen thousand, it was a great achievement for someone as young as him. To lead such an army while only twenty-three years of age was a masterstroke.

His father was a high noble and had worked hard to secure him this position so that he may gain the honor and glory that was associated with it. Merits on which he could stand so he would no longer need to rely on his connections.

And his time to shine had finally come. The sun clearly bestowed her favor upon him. His heavily armed troops were marching on the road along the Tris-river they had formed a massive column. Spears pointed high in the air.

Wagons and catapults were interspaced and everyone carried swords, shields, arrows, and a bow. They marched during the day and only stopped at night. It took them a few days but they finally reached the great wall of Triakith.

Once the defenders saw them approaching they fell into a frenzy. They ushered the people in and closed the gates. A messenger was most likely already being dispatched. Still, Ofald was not worried. Everything went as they had planned for now.

They made camp on both sides of the river to ensure no one would make it past them and gean to erect spiked barricades across the entire valley. From mountainside to mountainside. Several watchtowers were also built.

Behind it they built a palisade, it would take them most of three days and they were always vigilant but did not come under attack. The defenders were holing up.

General Ofald was now waiting for his reinforcements from his allies. An excessive amount of sentries had been posted they were, after all, fighting an empire whose leader possessed divine or demonic powers and if not those then at least some special abilities. They needed to be on their guard. Ofald did not let his new position go to his head.

—

A servant approached her swiftly, their clothes swaying and looking distressed. What was it about? What happened now she wondered?

“Your Majesty.” The servant bowed before her. “A messenger has arrived from the great wall. They are under siege by an army.” the Servant told her.

Nashakra smiled. Finally, it was time to realize some of her ambitions.

“I see. How many attackers?” she asked.

“Five thousand when the messenger was being sent, they built a camp and are laying siege. As far as is known no fighting has begun yet.” the servant replied.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

“Very well. Send Helmear to me and have my armor prepared. I will personally go to the great wall and leave the capital in Artugh’s capable hands.” she ordered while starting to move to her personal chambers to change her clothes. More servants and guards trailed behind her.

The Palace had become a fortress after the assassination of the last royal couple.

The servant departed to fulfill his orders. When Nashakra arrived in her chambers she was dressed in her armor. Leather with gold-plated steel. It looked great and since she was stronger than a normal human the weight did not bother her in the least.

The Armor was light anyway. The People of their continent, Ekia favored light and swift protection that left their joints free for easier movements.

There was no helmet but she wore a golden necklace around her temple. A ruby was set in the middle.

A finely crafted sword without any decorations was placed at her hip.

Helmear arrived, dressed in his own armor. He looked very serious. The playfulness had left him.

“Your Majesty”. Helmear greeted and bowed. “Helmear, we will go to the great wall at once,” she replied with a nod. A calculated look on her face. Nashakras eyes were almost shining with a red light.

“I understand Your Highness, but would it not be better to leave this to me? It will be dangerous.” Helmear tried to persuade her to stay in the capital. He did not want her to die. The world had turned so much for the better since her ascension to the throne. It would all end if something happened to her.

“I am capable of taking care of this. There is no need to endanger yourself. I would humbly ask you to reconsider.” He asked this of her knowing she would not. Her Mind was already set but he had to try.

“No. You do not need to worry. I will end this swiftly with my powers.” Nashakra said with determination.

The many servants remained silent. Simply standing at attention. They were now well aware of their queen's abilities. Many were still deeply afraid. But they also knew that their Queen was trustworthy. She treated them with respect and would not lash out like the former mistresses. Nor would she use her abilities to lord over them.

It had earned her a lot of respect and worship. As well as loyalty. Nashakra knew why she did things the way she did. She studied the behavior of humans a lot.

Once they were done Nashakra and her entourage left the palace to go to the stables. Nashakras' personal horse was a big black stallion. A horse well fed and cared for.

Three hundred guards would be departing with her. Most of them would go on foot. They would be slower than by traveling all the way on a horse but it would be safer. The walls would not fall that easily.

They formed a column and departed from the Palace. Walking on the big main road. Nashakra was waving and smiling at her subjects all the way until they left the city. Many chanted her name, bowed, and cheered for her.

Despite the many numbers of people in their group they managed to travel swiftly. The Second and newly built fortress of the great wall slowly appeared in the far distance.

--------

With the support of the Mountainsides, the walls could be built immensely high. Great blocks of stone stacked upon one another forming a great structure. It was a humbling sight for a small human.

Everyone who saw it just knew that they were part of something bigger and what many people who worked together could achieve. Over thirty meters high and ten meters broad it was nigh impenetrable.

Once Nashakra and her entourage approached closer they could also see the fortress that had been built beneath it. They could only see the second wall. The first was even further ahead and a lot older but nonetheless a great obstacle for any Invaders that attempted to breach it.

Nashakra and her entourage entered the fortress. Guards were bowing and greeting, runners went about to inform the leaders of her arrival. General Aniew was in charge of both walls. He used to be a commoner and joined the army when he was young.

He worked hard and was in the end appointed to his position by Nashakra herself. He was skilled and competent. Commanded the loyalty of his people and was trustworthy.

General Aniew and his retainers were ready to meet her at the first wall. The Soldiers atop were working in shifts always ready to respond to an assault of the enemy. Weapons at the ready. Many were taking a look at their queen on the plaza of the fortress. The troops that accompanied the Queen were neatly lined up and Helmear came up beside her.

They got down from their horses and General Aniew appeared with his retainers.

“Your Majesty.” General Aniew said and bowed together with the people that came with him.

“General Aniew, has there been an attack yet?” she asked him. Her eyes wandered across her surroundings, inspecting them with her senses. She could sense the countless minds around her. Even those in the Enemy Camp.

They were not too far away. She would look at their thoughts later. First, she needed to get an understanding of the situation. But she could feel fear, excitement, anxiety, and expectation. Bloodlust hung in the air.

“No, Your Majesty. The Enemy still only numbers about five thousand though our spies reported that double that number are already on their way as reinforcements. We expect an attack once they arrive. However, our spies also reported that their main goal seems to be to only isolate us.” General Aniew replied to her question.

“When are these reinforcements expected to arrive?” Nashakra asked. She needed to know to make further plans. It would be best to defeat the enemy while they were still separated.

“We believe we have two more days, Your Highness,” he replied once more his voice calm and respectful. He did not dare show any insult to his Queen. Her rise was a blessing to the people.

“Very well. I will survey the situation and summon you when I know how to proceed from here. Return to your duties.”

“Understood, Your Majesty. I will have some rooms prepared for you.” He bowed once again and quickly departed with his retainers.

“My Sun, It would be unwise to attack them. They still outnumber us almost two to one.” Helmear said from the side. He knew they could defend almost indefinitely from their walls. But attacking them while they expected it was suicide, at the very least many people would die.

“Do not worry,” Nashakra said confidently. “They are underestimating us greatly. None have seen what I am truly capable of. I need some time to look around. Once I know more we will be able to finalize some plans.” she explained to him with a neutral expression.

She felt excitement. She had often wanted to really let loose with her abilities but there had never been an opportunity to do so. But now, now she did not need to hold back. All the things she practiced would finally pay off.

“Lead me to my room.” She raised her voice and ordered the servants present.

“Please follow me Your Highness.” one of them replied while bowing, turned around, and started to lead them into the fortress made of stone. There were no decorations in the hallways, nor any weapons on display the walls were bare.

They arrived at the noble quarter after a short walk. It was deliberately sat at the back of the fortress to allow for an easy retreat from it in case of danger for any important personages.

The servant brought them to a lavishly decorated room with a big bed in the middle, there were no windows. Nashakra entered together with Helmear and a handful of guards and servants.

Helmear sat down on a stool the guards positioned themselves by the door and the servants dispersed. Nashakra sat down on the bed.

“I need to concentrate. Do not disturb me.” She ordered and closed her eyes. It was time to use her far sight and scout out the enemy.

Her vision appeared above the camp of their enemies. Spikes at the front, a palisade behind it. Watchtowers had been erected and the river flowed through the middle, three bridges had been built. They connected the two sides of the camp.

Bonfires were burning, pots were stewing. Soldiers were patrolling and Sentries kept a lookout. The day was still bright, the sky cloudless. Perfect for them to see everything. Behind the camp, the Jungle had been felled. Catapults and other siege equipment was stationed there as well with more being built. People were hard at work. Supervisors were shouting.

It was a busy camp. One that prepared for battle. Yet no matter what they did prepare for. They were not prepared for someone like her. She could feel their many minds, their thoughts, and emotions. To possess such power was exhilarating.

She had always held back that the codex was sacred. It could not be violated. But now… They were her enemies. There was no need to restrain herself any longer. She peered into their minds.

Nashakra felt their fear, they feared to die, to feel pain. She felt their greed, they wanted to plunder and loot. She felt their jealousy, they desired warm beds like their enemies and superiors, not the hard ground.

They wanted better food, their leaders were having a feast every night. And she felt their bloodlust. They wanted to feel strong by killing another. To hold power over life and death. Not all were like this.

Some felt pity. They did not wish to fight or kill. A handful had no other choice. A sick relative and they needed the money, being forced into the army because of the pay and chance of loot.

Honor, Glory. For themselves. Their King. Their Gods. Dreams to move up in Society. A Healer who only sought to aid the wounded. Their enemies were as varied as they could be.

And yet despite this. There could be no mercy. They all needed to die. There could be no survivors. If she was merciful now they would interpret it as weakness no matter her true intentions. Nashakra did not wish to slaughter all of them, but it had to be done. She could be merciful later after she had demonstrated what her enemies would surely see as “strength”.

She scoured their camp. Looking into the tents. Reading what was openly displayed. Looking into the minds of a select few, the leaders. Reading their memories. Their most intimate moments. Their greatest weakness and desire. What they liked. What they disliked. Their entire being was laid bare before her. Telepathy was a frightening power.

Now the question was how to best approach this situation. How could she secure victory within the next two days? A plan already began to form in her mind. She had so many options just which one should she choose?

She began to smile. A smile that unsettled all those who were in the room with her.

—

General Ofald was still awake. He could not sleep almost the entire night. Whenever he did he was shocked awake again. Nightmares had plagued him constantly. In his dreams, he died over a dozen times, and strangely every time he awoke his body felt real pain. His muscles cramped. A jolt runs through his body. He saw things he could not describe. Horrors that could not and should not be of this world.

He heard words that were whispered into his mind and strange laughter coming out of nowhere even though he had just awoken from the dream. They faded soon after together with the memory of the dreams only to return once more when he fell asleep.

After he died the nineteenth time he did not try anymore to sleep. He could not. All he desired was to crawl into a hole and never come out again.

Ofald deeply wished the gods were real. That they would protect him. He even wet his bed, if that came out it would be a stain on his reputation. An embarrassment from which he never would recover. His men could never find out so he simply burned the blanket.

He was still embarrassed even if it happened hours ago. Luckily the night went by peacefully despite this ill omen. He was tired and sleepy. And yet his duty called.

He dressed himself, washed his face, and went to the morning meeting of the generals. Still, he looked distraught, big bags visible beneath his eyes even if his hair was well kept.

“Good Morning.” He said once he entered the big central tent and he received a chorus of replies. He took his seat at the head of the big table they had built on site.

The other generals were already there. Soldiers and Attendants go about their various duties.

“You are late.” General Ramund complained. He looked just as distraught as Ofald.

“And you do not look well either.” General Aereg added.

“None of us look well. And now I suspect there is more to it.” he replied to them. The attendants remained silent. This was between their leaders. To comment on their state would be highly unprofessional and possibly lethal.

“I admit it is rather suspect if we all had the same night.” General Aereg said grumpily.

“You don't believe those stupid rumors do you?” General Ramund picked up on the implications they tried to make.

“That the Queen who so brazenly dares to found an Empire when it has been an unspoken tradition that no King may rule more than one city does possess devilish powers and is an enemy of all those who represents the Sun?” General Ofald questioned.

“Yes, those. If we all had nightmares, feeling the pain in our bodies even after we were awake. What else then could it be? Please enlighten me.” General Ramund said snidely.

“There are countless rumors. Some say she has been blessed by the gods. Others claim she is the incarnation of one. But we have yet to see anything someone like that should be capable of. Why has she not already conquered us if she is so powerful and blessed.” General Aereg questioned.

“True. She can not be too powerful but one thing all the rumors agree on is that she does possess special powers. As to their source…” General Ofald added.

“It's just propaganda. Lies to gain support and legitimacy for their attempt to unite the continent.” Genereal Ramund waved him off.

“Then how do you explain what happened to us? Three different people, the same nightmares, the same things happening to our bodies. And apparently only the Generals and no one else.?” He questioned again looking around the room at others but none of the many personnel present offered any information. They just looked at each other wordlessly.

“Even if she does have them. Our mission does not change.” General Ofald said. “We must fulfill it,” he affirmed again. More to himself than those present. Truthfully he had begun to be afraid. If it only happened to him he may have been able to simply forget about it. But all three generals. No something foul and malevolent was afoot.

Nashakra watched their exchange with amusement. Observing their thoughts and emotions. They were afraid and spooked even if General Ramund tried to appear strong she knew better.

*Perhaps then, you would like a demonstration?* Nashakra spoke into their minds.

The Generals all jumped at this looking around wide-eyed. The people around the tent were looking at them weirdly. The Generals eyed each other.

“Did you just…?” General Ofald said.

“Was that…?” General Ramund said.

“What…?” General Aereg said. All three were wide-eyed.

*Should I introduce myself? Or do you already know just who is talking to you? In your minds.*

“Is this real?” General Ofald questioned once more. “Is, is she talking in our heads?” asked his colleagues. They must have heard all of it too.

“Yes, I heard it too.” General Aereg replied. General Ramund just nodded. Their attendants were looking around confused. What were they talking about suddenly? Hearing voices in their heads? Had they suddenly gone insane? Were they ill? Was this the doing of their enemies as the rumors had said? Or had the gods decided to intervene? Three Generals ill of mind at once.

“My Lords? Are you unwell?” One brave lieutenant Arryn dared to ask. He received three icy glares for his courage.

“Of course we are. Be silent.” General Ramund nearly screamed at him. Rising from his chair and slammed his hands on the table. He looked everything but well. Still, the attendants were sufficiently cowed again, lowering their heads. This was not a good day for them.

“Everyone out.” General Ofald commanded. He could not deal with this right now. He would send everyone out then they would not look at them like they were insane or had gone totally of a cliff.

The Attendants and Soldiers hightailed it out of the command tent as fast as they could. None wanted to stay in a place with three sleep-deprieved generals. They liked their heads to remain where they were. On their shoulders and attached to the neck.

*Now that you are aware and more… let's say humbled. How about we hold a conversation?*

“Are you really the Queen?” General Ofald questioned aloud his voice shaking a little.

“Yes, I am. Are you afraid? You don't need to answer. I know you are. I can feel it. I can see it. Tonight, you had wet your bed and burned the blankets.* Nashakra said sounding amused almost laughing. Revealing a lot of information and a little tidbit to them.

Ramund and Aereg were stupefied and while they wanted to be enraged they composed themselves. They were indeed deeply afraid. This was a new situation none had ever dreamed of happening.

“W-What do you want?” Ofald asked into the air. Had anyone seen him they would have thought he was talking with himself. But the other Generals knew better.

*Stay and die, Flee and die. It hardly matters at this point. You have made enemies you cannot comprehend. Your nightmares are only the beginning.” she said ominously.

All three generals suddenly winced and grabbed their heads. A sharp pain shoots through their minds.

*Do you see? It would be so easy to just crush your minds, weak little things. They are so easy to influence. How will you know the orders you write match what will be on the paper afterward? Will the people who receive them read the words that are written, or something else? Or… The words that leave your mouths. How can you be certain your own tongue does not betray you together with your memories?* she continued.

The Generals were trembling now. The fear that was wafting of them could almost be seen.

“W-We will n-not be i-intimidated. We a-are proud Soldiers of Z-Zeapphia.” General Ramund jumped from his seat once more and shouted enraged.

*Your minds are open to me like a scroll. I have seen your camp. Your dreams and wishes, Your fears and weaknesses. The plots you are weaving in your minds. Ramund finds you unworthy Ofald. He bribed one of the servants to poison you so he can take your position for himself. He wanted to blame your death on me.* Nashakra said, still speaking to everyone.

Ofald gave Ramund a hard stare reaching for his blade. “You really tried to have me killed?” he asked.

Ramund stuttered fumbling for words not having expected this. “She is l-lying. D-Do you not see what is happening? S-She is trying to split us apart.”

*If I am lying then why not ask the Attendant? But you already know why not do you? “Nonsense. He would say whatever you wanted him to say. Or we would hear whatever you wanted us to hear.” That is what you would claim. Is it not?* Nashakra snickered into their minds.

*Let us end this here. You will have much work to do to get your camp in order again. So many things have gone wrong. Enjoy the Chaos while you still can.* Nashakra said at last. She still observed from afar but choose to no longer intervene.

The Atmosphere was still on fire. The tension was running high but before it could escalate further the brave lieutenant Arryn came into the tent, slowly and timidly he approached.

The Generals turned to stare at him. It made him really uncomfortable but he made his report anyway.

“My Generals. Uh. The camp is in uproar. Strange things have been happening.” Arryn said not certain how to explain further.

“What strange things? Elaborate!” Aereg thundered this time. Was this what the Queen had meant? Just what had she done?

Ofald and Ramund were distressed as well.

“Maybe it would be better if you saw for yourselves?” Lieutenant Arryn hedged. He did not want to be the one to tell them or be alone when he did. The others were too afraid to meet the generals in their current state.

Ofald stared at him almost hatefully now. The queen had unsettled him greatly he still could not believe what just happened. The others must have felt the same. Of this he was sure. How could it have been otherwise? His emotions were in turmoil he himself could not tell what he felt. His mind was spinning. He would have puked if he could. His stomach was feeling even worse than he did.

Just how could they defeat her? They could not simply turn around. The King would take their heads. But to fight such a devilish being? Was it even possible for a human to achieve victory? This was supposed to be the domain of the gods. Was she really blessed?

He cleared his head. There was something going on within the camp. He quickly marched outside, the other generals following him together with lieutenant Arryn.

The sight that greeted him outsight was nightmarish. Some soldiers were brawling amongst themselves. Pots with the morning stew had been overturned.

“ENOUGH!” Ofald screamed. The Soldiers stopped fighting and sprang to attention.

At least that is what he expected to happen. That was how it should have been. Instead, some of them began to charge at the generals. Ofald could not believe it. He just stood there stupefied and shocked, until he was hit in the face by a fist and went to the ground. Then he started hitting back.

It took them several hours to restore order. A long report and a list of the incidents that led to this fallout were in front of him. Once more they were in the command tent together with their attendants and other leaders.

Ofald choose to voice his displeasure aloud. He was normally calm and collected but it had finally gotten to him.

He screamed. “Just what is happening? What has the entire lot of you been doing? Do you not know that we are at war? Why were the sentries who were supposed to watch our supplies not doing their job? We needed to throw away half of everything we brought because of the vermin that got into it!” he raged and gestured wildly. His audience listened silently, they did fail but how could they have imagined something like that happening?

Then the birds that were dropping their loads into our pots, the stew, and all the other food openly displayed.

One-hundred-seventy-three people were bitten by snakes. Over ninety dead.” He continued his rant.

“And add to that the countless injuries and broken bones through the brawls and lack of discipline. Almost a thousand people are no longer capable of fighting! That's one-fifth of our army. Once our reinforcements arrive they will question the worth of our alliance! Our competency as their comrades and soldiers. We will become the greatest laughing stock for generations to come.

Historians will use us as an example on how NOT to lead an army.” he was livid. It was his head on the line first and foremost. He had shoved the attempt of his assassination by General Ramund aside. The man would be a fool to replace him now. Someone would have to take the fall for this disaster. And it would most likely be his head that would roll unless he could gain an achievement to balance the scales.

Everyone still remained silent. No one knew what to say.

Ofald made up his mind then and there. He needed a victory so he would make one.

“We will make an assault!” he said into the room. The people were shocked at first. It was madness to attack now. Many attempted to voice their objections. Even the other generals but Ofald was the commander in chief. His word was the law and he stopped them from doing so.

“STOP! There will be no objections. Prepare the catapults and move them in range. We will begin the bombardment as soon as possible.”

Some people started to squirm at this order. Lieutenant Arryn was elbowed into the side and he cleared his throat. Everyone began to stare at him.

“What is it, Lieutenant?” Ofald asked ominously.

“Uh. My General. There is uh. Just a small problem?” he volunteered.

“Yes. What PROBLEM is there?” Ofald asked maliciously now.

“The uh, Vermin. It bit through our ropes and those on the catapults. A-and uh, we don't have enough replacements? So the catapults are, uh all unusable?” Lieutenant Arryn said.

It was the last straw that broke the horse’s back for Ofald. He drew his sword and stormed to Arryn who raised his hands protectively and cut him down with a single slash across his body. One of his hands went flying, landing on the table, leaking its blood onto it. More of it had sprayed from Arryns body giving General Ofald a mad look. He had enough.

Nashakra still watched with amusement. She felt a little bad for the poor lieutenant it was not even his fault he was only the messenger. The one who elbowed him was responsible for looking after their war machinery. He did not want to give the reports himself so he intimidated Arryn into doing so.

The Generals were not concerned, they have cut down the fool too. The others were visibly shocked and afraid. The people who were near the now dead Arryn shied away not wanting to be next.

A storm was raging inside Ofald. It was just as the queen said. What he did not manage to say earlier in his rant. They fulfilled orders that were never given. One soldier was told to kill a goat for the noble's stew and yet he murdered a horse. And that was only one example of the many orders that were not fulfilled how they were given.

He needed to admit it now. But the Queen was frightening. Just what had he done wrong to be put into this position? It should have been so easy. To just siege the great wall. To sit there and do nothing. And yet it was a catastrophe, he was about to be executed by his king. His father would disown him. His mother may the gods bless her would turn in her grave.

He was tired and exhausted. He chose to give up. To go to his tent and take the time to think and sleep and come up with a plan.

*Do you truly believe that I will allow you to sleep?* it suddenly whispered into his mind. He felt cold, his body clamped up, unable to move.

*This will continue. Every Day, Every Night. Nightmares. Pain. Chaos. What you saw today was merely a test. What will happen when I let the birds drop snakes directly onto your head? When misunderstandings pile up like a stack of hay. Your soldiers will get tenser and tenser and a single incident will cause a mutiny. Even now I continue my work. I place thoughts the people think are their own. A whisper here and a thought there. How long until your army breaks itself?*

Ofald did not know what to do. He just stood there listening. Thinking.

*Even if your reinforcements come. Do you think they will fare better? Once they arrive and hear your outlandish tales they will not believe you. Your stories will be dismissed as fantasies and your sanity will be questioned. They will ask where so many of your soldiers are. And when the following days nothing happens to prove your side. The divide will only grow. The contempt. The resentment. A single spark would ignite your army.*

*There are so many ways to sow discord. To play you against one another. How easy would it be to have an order fulfilled wrongly? A bit of poison in a cup only for the culprit to proudly declare himself. Doing it on your orders. No one would believe you if you told them a different story. The Human mind is so predictable.*

“H-How can we end this?” Ofald asked. “This is madness. No Human should have such power. Not even the gods.”

*We are not the invaders. We are not those who sought war. We would have built an empire that the people truly desired to live in. You yourself are aware of how many came to live here. In time we would have grown, the cities surrounding us being submerged. That is what your King is afraid of. He knows of our potential and wishes to deny it. To us. To the People.

Instead of learning and growing, attempting to surpass us. He seeks to drag us down beneath him so he can stand atop a broken pile of rubble. He wants to be the king of hell rather than a servant in the heavens. A fool. For a Servant in the heavens would be far wealthier than the mightiest king of hell.*

*I seek to build a paradise without corruption. Where all souls are equal. If all work for the betterment of all then everyone will be rich. But how could mortals understand the thought of the divine?*

*It matters not, if you live long enough you might see. I advise you to flee. Run and I shall not pursue. If you stay, you will do more than die. Already Insanity claws at your mind. You can feel it can you not?* Nashakra said at last.

Ofald thought long and hard over everything he heard and experienced. Even if he had not slept for two days now. He was extremely tired and exhausted. But he knew sleep would not be able to claim him. He did not sign up for this. He wanted wealth and glory. Not this madness. He slowly packed his belongings and sneaked out of the camp during the night.

—

Nashakra rose from her bed. It had been an exhausting time for her too. But it had been worth it. Their enemy was in chaos. Lacking supplies rumors and stories were going around and it did not take that much. It had been relatively easy. She would continue to whittle away at their numbers and had more things planned. It would be even easier once their reinforcements arrived.

The minds of the generals were on the verge of breaking down. There were many more desertions during the night.